Method and apparatus for curing co2 composite material objects at near ambient temperature and pressure

Abstract

Apparatus and methods for curing composite compositions that react with CO2. The apparatus in general includes an easily transportable and easily assembled curing structure, such as a plastic sheet housing supported by gas pressure and / or by mechanical supports. Apparatus for providing reagent CO2, for measuring water content and for removing water, and for controlling temperature, flow rates and flow directions through the curing structure. Examples of curing procedures and examples of cured materials in desired shapes are described.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application claims priority to and the benefit of co-pending U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 61 / 930,404, filed Jan. 22, 2014, and co-pending U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 62 / 033,366, filed Aug. 5, 2014, each of which applications is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The invention relates to materials processing in general and particularly to apparatus and methods for curing composite materials.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]It is known in the art to cure conventional cements and concretes using hydration. This has been practiced in various forms for centuries. One of the problems associated with conventional materials that are cured by hydration is that once the water needed to effect the cure is mixed into the composition to be cured, a finite time period starts during which all of the positioning, compacting and finishing steps that are intended to be performe...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

This patent describes a process for carbonating a material using a CO2-bearing reagent gas. The process involves placing the material in a housing with a membrane that is impervious to the gas, and controlling the flow direction of the gas inside the housing. This results in a uniform carbonation reaction throughout the material. Additionally, the patent also suggests controlling the water content of the material being carbonated. This process can lead to more efficient carbonation and improved quality of the carbonated material.

Problems solved by technology

One of the problems associated with conventional materials that are cured by hydration is that once the water needed to effect the cure is mixed into the composition to be cured, a finite time period starts during which all of the positioning, compacting and finishing steps that are intended to be performed must be completed.

If there is a delay for any reason, there is a danger that the wet mix will either have to be discarded before it can be used as intended, or will set in locations that are disadvantageous, such as in mixing and transporting equipment.

Such adverse outcomes can and do cause additional time effort and money to be expended needlessly.

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